I am thinking about how a machine might expose a UI to an AR viewer of some kind. So, the scenario is: you throw on a pair of AR glasses and open the network-viewing app. I imagine being able to see UIs for thermostats, media players, audio equipment, etc. I suspect a Windows IoT device might get one closer to such a goal? Maybe not?

How would a windows device be closer to that goal? All you would need to make it work is some kind of standardized protocol for how IOT devices advertise data and controls.

The only thing Windows would "do better" would be adding layers of proprietary software and telemetry which would probably reduce performance and make it harder to work with.

> I'm not sure what the value-add would be for a machine with no UI

Educational lock-in. The RPI is a device for learning about computers. MS directly target the classroom at the moment, get people locked in early with online accounts, and then progress that into workplace familiarity.

I don't think employers want to spend the money to educate staff on using a Ubuntu-based desktop, even though that has a proven lower TCO.

Get them when they're in the class room. The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.

Yeah I mean I can understand the value to MS but I don't see it for anyone else.